Ambassador of China – Development: the best guarantee to national security

By
Shen Zhifei, Chinese Ambassador to Lithuania

At this
fascinating time of lush green, China-EU relations have ushered in another “warm
spring”. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid fruitful visits to
Italy, France and Monaco. Earlier this month, the 21st China-EU
Summit and the 8th Summit of Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern
European Countries concluded with full success, as demonstrated in the China-EU
Joint Statement and Dubrovnik Guidelines for Cooperation between China and
Central and Eastern European Countries and a dozen of cooperation agreements
signed.

Both
sides staked out the position of maintaining multilateralism and open world
economy while opposing trade protectionism and unilateralism. European Council
President Donald Tusk commented “We managed to agree a joint statement, which
sets the direction for our partnership based on reciprocity. This was our
common effort and it is our common success.” European Commission President
Jean-Claude Juncker remarked “We believe in China and we believe in our
partnership. And we are ready to work together and at the same time be more
ambitious in standing up for our interests and values.” Lithuanian Prime
Minister S. Skvernelis attended the 16+1 Summit and witnessed the signing of
Protocol on Lithuanian wheat exports to China, which pushed China-Lithuanian
agricultural cooperation to a new height.

Nevertheless，I have also noticed some negative comments on China-EU relations and “16+1 Cooperation” from Lithuanian internet media. Distortions of the latest achievements in China-EU and 16+1 cooperation are found in articles like “Chinese puzzle: how to understand this rising power” written by editor-in-chief of Alfa and “China sneaking from the South: Beijing’s ambition in Europe is part of a long and careful strategy” posted on Delfi.lt. The authors seemed to have been exhausting their efforts in discrediting China by claiming “It primarily targets the fragile spots of the countries in the Old Continent”, “The highway built in Montenegro is stalling and Montenegro is at the verge of bankruptcy as a result of building the highway using Chinese credit” to imply “China poses long-term threat and challenge to EU and Lithuania alone amid short-term interest”.

China-Lithuania Business forum in China. Photo Embassy of China in Lithuania

It has
to be said that these articles have represented a grave distortion of
facts and a distinct lack of responsibility. Harboring deep-rooted cold war
mentality, the authors doubted the political purposes of China’s international cooperation,
advocated “China security threat” theory and advised Lithuanian government on
China policy accordingly. Regrettably, the comment and outlook on China-EU
relations, far from that of EU leaders, only reflect their narrow security
approach and limited global vision that is lagging behind the times. As
misleading as can be, the articles indeed poison the atmosphere of reasonable public
discussion.

Concerns
over security issues in Lithuania have been shaped by both historical origins
and realistic considerations. Though the world has maintained overall peace, some regions
and countries are still living in the shadow of armed conflict and war while
anti-globalization, trade protectionism and populism are on the rise. Humankind
is faced with growing destabilizing and uncertain factors. However, sticking to
cold war mentality and zero-sum mindset as well as believing in narrow sense
and absolute security in the current global background is nothing but
backtracking of history. It is expected to lead to further fragmentation of
international relations and global governance, eventually harming development
and security interests of all countries.

In my perspective, security interest is to be
defended by promoting development and upgrading capacity building. Development
stands as the best way to maintain peace and security. A country’s national
interests and security are better secured by economic growth and prosperity amid
full integration into global development. It is only realized by blazing a path
consistent with the trend of the times and its own national conditions.
Security interest is also to be defended in an all-around, high-level and
in-depth international cooperation. Only by promoting the well-being of its own
and others, can a country better guarantee its security and respond to major
challenges in an effective effort. EU and its member states’ cooperation
and communication with China in various fields serve the interests of all
parties, bringing increasing development opportunities rather than security
threats.

As an
important part of and helpful complement to “Belt and Road” Initiative and
China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, what lies behind 16+1 Cooperation’s
growing from strength to strength over the past 7 years? New momentum of growth
have been added to Central and Eastern European countries in their joint
actions with China. Cooperation opportunities of projects and programs have
been offered timely in need. Infrastructure constructions have been started
from scratch. The cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European
countries is in vigorous demand and has delivered tangible benefits to more
people. It serves to narrow the gap between Central and Eastern European
countries and other EU member states as well as to promote connectivity between
EU countries, thus contributing to the stability and prosperity of EU as a
whole. For this reason, Greece applied for joining “16+1” and has been approved
by all the member states.

At a forum in China. Photo Embassy of China in Lithuania

As for
the “debt trap” accusations against China, it is not even worth refuting. The
governments, business communities and the general public of many countries that
have participated in and benefited from the BRI have spoken up and debunked
such groundless assertions with facts and figures. Decisions made under the BRI
framework, whether project selection or investment and financing cooperation,
are all based on full consultation among the parties and on the basis of
conducting due risk assessment and investment feasibility study, as well as subjected to strict approval
procedures.China and other 27 countries have jointly adopted the
Guiding Principles on Financing the Development of the Belt and Road, which
highlights the need to ensure debt sustainability in project financing. Not a
single country has got trapped in a debt crisis since its participation in the
BRI or 16+1 Cooperation to date. Quite on the contrary, through participating
in BRI cooperation, many countries have got out of the trap of “no development”
and look forward to expanding cooperation with China. It is even more
groundless that “The highway project in Montenegro is stalling” and “It’s
leading to the bankruptcy of Montenegro Government”. As a matter of fact,
according to the Montenegrin Prime Minister, the project is currently
progressing smoothly. No one is in a better position to judge the issue than
the Montenegrins.

Being a member state of EU, Lithuania is an open economy and ranks high globally in regards of business environment. Lithuania takes an active role in “Belt and Road Initiative” and “16+1 cooperation”. In 2018, bilateral trade volume has hit record high. Lithuania has been the first country to sign a letter of intent to attend China International Import Expo. In view of the great reward at the first EXPO, Lithuanian companies are highly enthusiastic about attending the second EXPO. China-Europe Railway Express, connectivity project of “Belt and Road Initiative”, presents boundless potential for Lithuania’s ambition of building Europe-Asia Logistics Center. Maintaining this good momentum and achieving more fruitful results of practical cooperation serves the interests of both China and Lithuania and is therefore the common task for both sides. On the contrary, the nightmare of security threat is never to be shaked off clinging to outdated cold war mentality. One will only find himself left with shackles if he sees China’s development through colored lenses and makes groundless accusations against China-EU cooperation. Furthermore, development opportunities will be missed, resulting in harming its own development and security interests. I sincerely hope that those doubting China-EU and China-Lithuania cooperation go over

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